ABx Group (ASX:ABX) has reported preliminary results from two rare earth column leach tests conducted by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on 26kg bulk samples.
Following 17 days of testing, the first column test achieved 81% rare earths extraction, including 76% dysprosium and 79% terbium. This is a record high result for extraction from any Australian clay-hosted rare earth deposit.
Previous results from short-duration leaching tests of bulk samples from Deep Leads consistently achieved 65-75% extraction.
Managing Director Mark Cooksey says that the preliminary results are “extremely encouraging” and that these results support the potential for leaching at Deep Leads.
Heap leaching potentially offers a compelling pathway to lower capital intensity, consistent with the ABx strategy to commence commercial production as soon as possible,” Cooksey says.
The full column leach tests will be complete before the end of December and unloaded in early January, with the remaining solutions to be analysed for final rare earth recoveries, impurity levels, and to assess leaching kinetics.
ABx Group is focused on delivering rare earths, bauxite, and industrial chemicals essential for a clean energy transition.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: ABx Group
